GOP Senate Introduces Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act
On Wednesday, 42 GOP senators introduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which would allow individuals with concealed carry rights in their home state to exercise those same rights in any other state that allows concealed carry while still abiding by that state’s laws.
The bill also protects state sovereignty by not establishing a national standard for concealed carry.
The bill states:
An individual who is not prohibited by Federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm, and who is carrying a government-issued photographic identification document and a valid license or permit which is issued pursuant to the law of a State and which permits the individual to carry a concealed firearm, may possess or carry a concealed handgun (other than a machinegun or destructive device) that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce in any State other than the State of residence of the individual that has a statute that allows residents of the State to obtain licenses or permits to carry concealed firearms; or does not prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms by residents of the State for lawful purposes.
“This legislation would reduce unnecessary burdens for law-abiding citizens and allow them to carry a concealed firearm in every state that permits it and I’m grateful for the overwhelming support from my fellow Republican colleagues on this commonsense bill,” Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn said.
CELEBRATE #47 WITH 47% OFF DAILYWIRE+ MEMBERSHIPS + A FREE $20 GIFT
“This commonsense legislation ensures that law-abiding citizens can exercise their constitutional right to carry concealed firearms across state lines while respecting the laws of each state,” North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis stated. “This legislation is a critical step in protecting the right of self-defense for Americans, no matter where they travel.”
Last week, the House of Representatives introduced a companion bill, H.R. 38. The Crime Prevention Research Center states that nearly 22 million Americans hold concealed carry permits.
President-elect Donald Trump has promised to sign the bill if it reaches his desk. The National Rifle Association (NRA), the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and Gun Owners of America (GOA) have endorsed the legislation.